A-List Aviation: Velocity Jets, StrategicAir, AvJet Corporation, Air Royale, A-List Jets and more

Velocity Jets

By Alexandra Ingersoll

Though once an elitist mode of transportation, due to the increasing hassles of commercial travel, the private aviation industry has drastically increased in popularity, thus losing its incantation of exclusivity. The sky is now filled with fractionally owned jets, and those jets are in turn engorged with unsatisfied clients who have been forced to compromise their personal time to accommodate incongruous flight schedules. Velocity Jets has taken on the commitment of returning private jet travel to its original form: personalized service, flexibility, and in-flight luxury, ensuring any journey-whether it is for business or pleasure-an affable one.

[highlight_text] With Velocity Jet’s adamant attention to the minutest service details, it comes as no surprise that their safety standard policies are stringent. [/highlight_text]

Based out of Fort Lauderdale International Airport, with outposts in New York and Los Angeles, Velocity Jets has dominated the private aviation market with their unparalleled service and offerings including private jet membership, aircraft sales and management, global aircraft charter, and worldwide tours. Their experienced team ensures premium service that is customized to fit any client’s needs, wishes, and desires. Isn’t that how it should be when one chooses to fly private?

Cofounders Patrick Harris and Jessica Osterneck, who share responsibility of overseeing Velocity Jets, both bared witness to a notable rise in their Jets Card service. The two agree that this can be attributed to the rising cost of private jet ownership, but more so to the hassle, maintenance, and wasted time that many patrons have experienced with their jet ownership. Numerous private wealth advisors have reported their clientele selling their trusted Gulfstreams and Lears, trading up for a Velocity Jets Card. With a minimum deposit of $100,000 the card grants clients access to a fleet of 5,500 jet types, ranging from turboprops to heavy jets. Clients are billed based on a guaranteed one-way or round-trip hourly rate. This membership ensures that clients will depart, spend the duration of their flight, and arrive in the utmost safety and luxury. With infinite flexibility and 365 days guaranteed availability, any jetsetter can now fly wherever and whenever without the headwind of long-term contracts or monthly management fees.

What sets Velocity Jets apart from the other sea of private aviation brands is their attention to detail. Each and every individual client is treated as though they are the one and only client. Velocity’s staff take special measures to get to know every passenger that steps foot on the aircrafts, including their likes, dislikes, allergies, trip itineraries…the list goes on. Customization is the key to a personalized journey, and Velocity Jets has certainly got this art down to a very fine “T.”

With Velocity Jet’s adamant attention to the minutest service details, it comes as no surprise that their safety standard policies are stringent. All of the aircrafts utilized by Velocity are ARG and Wyvern-rated, and all pilots and operators are held far above the FAA standards; both combined efforts have given Velocity the bragging rights of an incident-free safety record.

Though the Jets Card service is growing at a record speed, so too are their worldwide charter and tours, sales and acquisitions, and concierge services. It was no easy feat returning private air travel to its original status of private luxury for the world’s elite; Osterneck and Harris have not only completed the task, but also improved the art of world travel to a status that can-and always will be-attained through only one brand, Velocity Jets.

Phone 866.575.JETS (5387)
Fax 954.252.2192
Email [email protected]
Website www.velocityjets.com
StrategicAir

By Alexandra Ingersoll

When StrategicAir formed in October 2007, it set out to revolutionize private aviation. CEO Keith St. Clair, the former chairman and founder of TraveLeaders (one of the 10 largest travel distribution companies in the USA), recruited his board of directors from among the most prominent names in private aviation and financing, all of whom could offer invaluable insight into various aspects of the industry. This meeting of the minds successfully formed a new breed of private aviation powerhouse, which is led by St. Clair; Kevin Parrott, EVP and CMO; Richard Oster, EVP and CFO; John Affeltranger, COO; and Chairman of the Board Mark Ginsburg.

At its inception, StrategicAir announced the acquisition of a number of private air travel companies that spanned the aviation industry. By consolidating brokerages, maintenance facilities, and aircraft into one privately held company, StrategicAir broke new ground in the private air charter market. Also, the company was the beneficiary of the FAA Part 135 and Part 145 certificates. With involvement at every step of the private air travel process, StrategicAir is able to control the customer’s experience from A to Z, making it more convenient, comfortable, and personalized than ever before, all available at a mere four hours notice. The company specializes in point-to-point trips to New York, Los Angeles, and South Florida. And unlike other companies, StrategicAir actually owns its own aircraft, which enables a wider range of price flexibility, creativity, and ingenuity compared to managed or brokered aircraft. Owning the maintenance aspects allows StrategicAir to solve problems instantaneously, preventing delays in a time-sensitive environment. This innovative business model is the result of the experience in the luxury travel and aviation industries garnered through the years by the company’s founders.

Now, StrategicAir is adding to its reputation for ingenuity with the introduction of the prepaid Limitless Sky Flight Card program, which offers discounted flight hours, available in four levels: Ruby ($50,000), Emerald ($100,000), Sapphire ($250,000), and Diamond ($500,000). Limitless Sky takes the ease of chartering one step further. Just one phone call to the team ensures the flawless handling of all the details, from takeoff to touchdown and beyond. The program enables members to charter multiple jets simultaneously, receive cabin upgrades, and enjoy increased options in cabin size. And, unlike many other programs, membership is transferable. The exact menu of benefits varies according to level of membership, but can entail catering, limo transfers, and the StrategicAir Concierge. At the Emerald level and above, waved landing, parking, and handling fees are included with participation. At Sapphire and Diamond levels, clients will be the beneficiaries of fuel surcharge exclusions and waived ferry fees on heavy jets. At every level, the Assist Privilege Card is included as part of the program. The privilege cards offer solutions and support for a number of emergency situations globally. The specific range of services was designed by aviation industry experts to ensure the most complete coverage and highest level of efficiency.

Limitless Sky promises to further the values upon which StrategicAir was founded-to present the client with the utmost in options, flexibility, safety, and efficiency-and the new program takes all four to the next level.

Phone 954.359.4200
Fax 954.776.0666
Email [email protected]
Website www.strategicair.com
AvJet Corporation

By Chloé Ball

When private air travelers demand luxury, comfort, and safety with no compromises, they turn to Avjet Corporation. Recognized around the globe as the leader in VIP travel solutions, Avjet provides its elite clientele with a comprehensive range of aviation services, including aircraft charter, aircraft management, aircraft sales and acquisitions, completion of new aircraft from the factory, and refurbishment of aircraft interiors.

With one of the world’s largest and most modern jet fleets, Avjet specializes in large-cabin aircraft charter, including the full line of Gulfstream and Global Express aircraft, as well as two ultra-spacious Boeing Business Jets. Avjet provides thousands of premier charter flights each year for a discriminating international clientele, delivering extraordinary service anywhere in the world. Avjet carries the highest safety ratings by the major auditing services including the ARG/US Platinum Rating and Wyvern Wingman Alliance membership.

“Our passengers are elite travelers who require the most elegant, efficient travel solutions possible,” says Avjet President Mark Lefever. “Whether flying across the country or around the world, our clients depend on us to manage every detail of the perfect travel experience.”

With U.S. offices in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, Avjet offers clients who own their own aircraft the full range of aircraft management services. Avjet oversees every detail, from scheduling and maintenance, to catering and ground transportation. With flight crews dedicated to specific aircraft, and continuous training of crewmembers to enhance safety and comfort, Avjet ensures that every passenger is thoroughly indulged.

Avjet’s aircraft management clients enjoy all the benefits of private, confidential air travel with none of the operational complexities of managing their own flight departments. It’s the best of both worlds: reduced costs complemented by the superlative client care for which the company is renowned.

Private jet owners seeking to offset the cost of ownership can incorporate their aircraft into Avjet’s distinguished charter fleet. Many clients enjoy substantial financial gains from the selective charter use of their aircraft in Avjet’s fleet.

Buying or selling an aircraft on the global market is a specialized science that Avjet has perfected through its experience with more than 300 corporate jet transactions exceeding $5 billion in sales. (In fact, all of the aircraft pictured in this article are available for acquisition.) With operations on four continents and teams in cities across the globe, Avjet gives its clients a distinct advantage, opening up markets ripe with opportunity to buy or sell an aircraft.

“We have developed strategic alliances around the world to be able to make the global market accessible to our clients,” says Andrew Bradley, Avjet’s senior vice president of global sales and acquisitions. “That makes a big difference when it comes time to buy or sell an aircraft.”

Avjet’s completions and refurbishments expertise guarantees that clients’ aircraft are finished to the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety, and comfort. Avjet begins with an assessment of client needs and preferences for interior amenities and communications resources. They also work with flight crews to determine the optimum avionics solutions. Avjet then oversees the design process, working with certified engineers and world-renowned interior designers, managing every detail of installation and finishing, staying onsite with the aircraft until it is ready for delivery. The result is a cabin that is perfectly configured around the client’s lifestyle and business requirements.

Avjet’s broad range of integrated services makes it a company quite unique in aviation: big enough to operate the largest private jets in the world; personal enough to attend to every need of every client. It’s the perfect combination of privacy, comfort, efficiency and safety that makes Avjet the leader in an industry dedicated to the VIP lifestyle.

SALES Phone 703.661.4848
Sales Email [email protected]
Charter Phone 818.841.6190
Charter Email [email protected]
Website www.avjet.com
Air Royale

Since 1994, Air Royale International Inc. has led the industry in procuring aircraft for world-renowned entertainers and artists, Fortune 500 companies, diplomats, heads of state, private citizens and even celebrity animals. With access to a global network of more than 5,500 aircraft, from twin-engine turboprops to world-class corporate jets to executive-configured airliners, Air Royale is known as the “boutique” air charter intermediary services company.

With offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Hong Kong and Dubai, Air Royale can arrange for your safe, on-demand private air charter trip worldwide-no matter where you are-24 hours a day. Top charter operators fly all aircraft, certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Air Royale’s brand serves as the ultimate concierge with a lot of TLC. Air Royale is always on the move planning itinerary details to keep its promise-customers’ needs and desires are taken care of. Whether you want selections of fine wines, homemade gourmet meals, in-flight spa services, private ground transportation, private villa or bungalow stays, exclusive dinner reservations or theater tickets, Air Royale arranges it all.

Although Air Royale has grown over the last 14 years, it’s that personal boutique service that impresses its clientele, which includes the likes of Paramount Pictures Corp., Universal Studios, DreamWorks Animation, NBC News, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., Fortune 100 and 500 companies, and heads of state. A CNN executive said, “If you added together promptness, professionalism, and competitive pricing-that’s Air Royale.”

Aside from assuring that each customer is provided with the utmost in luxury, security, and privacy, Air Royale President Wayne J. Rizzi says that safety is a key factor.

“First, customers’ air safety must be the priority, which is why we use Wyvern Consulting Ltd., the first safety evaluations company that began performing on-site audits of air charter operators in 1991,” says Rizzi, who sits on the Wyvern Customer Advisory Board, which is responsible for setting The Wyvern Standard. Wyvern’s standards far exceed FAA’s minimum standards for commercial air charter operators.

Rizzi, who was recently voted the first president of the American chapter by members of the Baltic Air Charter Association, says, “There’s a good reason that Air Royale ensures that it arranges flights on behalf of its customers with operators that are Wyvern recommended-their safety record can’t be beat.”

Phone: 310.289.9800
Fax: 310.289.9804
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.airroyale.com

A-List Jets

By Jeremy Lissek

When you think about the benefits of private jet charter, what do you think of first? Easy boarding? No lengthy lines for check in? Faster flight time with annoying layovers sliced out? Control over when and where you fly, day or night? Choice of size, style, and variety of aircraft? Superior comfort? Privacy? Peace and quiet? Personalized food and refreshment? Hassle-free travel for your furry friends?

Hey, those are all great reasons, but notice anything left out? You should, because it’s arguably the first priority you have to consider: safety. You need to make sure that it’s more than some buzzword on a website, that the bird and pilots you’re entrusting with your corporate and personal treasure are irreproachable.

There are hundreds and hundreds of jet operators out there. How do you know who’s reputable and who has a great safety record? You don’t. But that’s what A-List Jets, a boutique private jet brokerage, does. They know that private air travel is only as good as the company supplying it. So they’ve done the homework and exhaustive due diligence because their select clients (celebs, pro athletes, entertainment firms, and Fortune 500 companies) are concerned about safety more than pricing. That’s why A-List only works with operators that have impeccable safety records. By using both Arg/US and Wyvern, A-List comprehensively vets and verifies each private flight’s operator, aircraft, and crew. They confirm absolutely nothing without it. So now you have an intermediary that’s effectively your own flight department. As founder Gordon Bijelonic states, “We’re also clients ourselves. We fly too, and we wouldn’t put anyone on an aircraft we wouldn’t put ourselves or our own family members on.”

Bijelonic also prides himself in A-List’s ability to provide a premier service at a value. Despite the economic climate and rising fuel surcharges, A-List has done more business in the first quarter of this year than in all of last year combined (and business kept booming into October). Unlike fractional ownership, clients (the target being those who fly at least 100 hours per year) pay at the time of the trip, so much of the new business involves trade-downs. “Some of them are private jet owners who don’t want their own aircraft anymore, who are moving to membership programs where you can buy as many hours as you want,” Bijelonic says. “And some that no longer want to commit to a huge number of hours are switching to on-demand plans where they fly when they need to.”

Over the past seven years Bijelonic has developed far reaching personal relationships with the owners of the industry’s safest and most luxurious jets, enabling A-List Jets to provide its clients with a truly premium service. If you have three months instead of three days, you’ll still have trouble flying in all the aircraft A-list can access. And the firm’s highly trained staff can cater to any special need. No request is too big or extreme. They break the sweat so you don’t have to. Go ahead, put them to the test. You won’t be disappointed.

So whether you’re pouncing on a late-breaking deal or you and the boys have got the urge to fish in the Keys, A-List Jets can get you up in the air fast, safe, and stress-free.

Phone 888.692.5478
Fax 310.271.2599
Email [email protected]
Website www.alistjets.com